What causes ventricular septal defect in newborns?

Ventricular septal defect in newborns is mainly caused by genetic factors, environmental factors and maternal health conditions. Ventricular septal defect is a congenital heart disease, usually caused by abnormal heart malformation during fetal development. Targeted treatment measures need to be taken according to the cause and degree of defect, including monitoring, drug treatment or surgical repair.

1. Genetic factors

Genetics is an important cause of ventricular septal defect in newborns, especially when there is a history of congenital heart disease in the family, the risk of fetal defects will increase significantly. This is related to gene mutations or chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome. For couples with a family history, genetic counseling or genetic screening before pregnancy can help reduce genetic risks.

2 Environmental factors and maternal exposure to harmful substances

Exposure of the mother to certain adverse environments during early pregnancy may increase the probability of the fetus suffering from ventricular septal defect. For example, if the mother smokes, drinks, or is exposed to pesticides, heavy metals, or other chemical toxins during pregnancy, these may interfere with the development of fetal organs. The key to preventing this problem is to avoid exposure to harmful substances during pregnancy and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

3 Physiological factors and infection

The overall health of the mother directly affects the formation of the fetal heart, especially viral infections such as rubella virus during pregnancy may cause fetal heart malformations. In addition, maternal diabetes or autoimmune diseases such as lupus erythematosus also increase the risk of ventricular septal defect. Prevention of infection during pregnancy includes vaccination, maintaining good hygiene habits, and regular prenatal check-ups.

4. Drug use problems

Improper use of certain drugs during pregnancy, such as anti-epileptic drugs, antibiotics, or hormone drugs, may induce fetal developmental abnormalities, which is also a common factor in ventricular septal defects. Medication during pregnancy should be strictly followed by the doctor's instructions to avoid abusing prescription or over-the-counter drugs.

5. Malnutrition and folic acid deficiency

Malnutrition or severe folic acid deficiency during pregnancy may lead to congenital structural abnormalities in the fetus, including ventricular septal defect. Insufficient folic acid levels can affect the normal development of fetal tissues and organs. It is recommended to start folic acid supplementation during pregnancy planning and ensure a balanced diet to reduce the incidence of defects.

For newborns with ventricular septal defects, mild defects can usually be followed up regularly, and some can heal naturally during growth and development. If the defect is large or causes obvious symptoms such as heart failure, it is necessary to choose drug treatment such as diuretics, vasodilators or surgical repair such as percutaneous intervention or open-chest surgery according to the doctor's advice. Parents should also maintain an optimistic attitude for their children and actively seek professional medical help.

If a newborn is found to have abnormal heart symptoms, such as shortness of breath, feeding difficulties or developmental delay, he or she should go to a regular hospital as soon as possible for a detailed examination and diagnosis. Early detection and scientific intervention can effectively improve the prognosis of the child and improve the quality of life.